Windows 7 and Samba 3 interoperability

Symptoms

Windows 7 cannot join a Samba 3 domain. When attempting to join a Samba 3 domain, the following error occurs:The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted.

Cause

Changes to Windows 7 require that new values are added to the Registry in addition to updates to Samba 3. The required Samba 3 updates are included in Samba versions 3.2.12 and 3.3.5.

Resolution

In order to resolve this issue, update Samba to 3.2.12 or 3.3.5. In addition to the update, the registry changes that are required in Windows 7 to allow the joining of a Samba 3.2.12 or Samba 3.3.5 domain are as follows: